Protective clothing

ABSTRACT

Described herein are new and improved devices, systems, and methods for providing protective clothing and other like garments. The protective clothing can comprise an outer layer and an under layer. The outer layer and under layer can each comprise a plurality of protective plates. The protective plates of the outer layer can be configured to move over and between the protective plates of the under layer, and vice versa, to provide a wide range of motion and flexibility to a wearer without compromising protection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/643,450, filed 7 May 2012, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The various embodiments of the present invention relate to devices,systems, and methods for providing bulletproof protective clothing andother like garments.

2. Description of Related Art

A variety of devices exist that aim to protect wearers from gunshotinjuries. The most common are vests reinforced with a compositematerial. The composite material is generally capable of absorbing theimpact of a bullet without allowing the bullet to pass through thematerial. Many composite materials that are commonly used in vestscomprise high strength fibers, such as Kevlar®.

One drawback of existing vests, however, is that they can significantlyrestrict the movement of a wearer. This is due, at least in part, to thestiffness of the composite material. It is also due to the variousdesigns employed in conventional vests. Specifically, the vests are notdesigned to allow the composite material to move, flex or shift with thewearer's body movement. Instead, the vest and the composite material areheld stationary against the wearer's body. The stiffness of thecomposite material therefore resists the wearer's movements. Inaddition, because conventional vests are stiff, they are often designedto cover only the chest and back of a wearer, leaving the arms, legs,and other parts of the body exposed and vulnerable.

In addition, in order to provide additional protection from injury,existing vests often incorporate metal plates. The metal plates can bedisposed adjacent to the composite material, and can act as anadditional barrier preventing the bullet from penetrating the vest.While metal plates may prevent penetration, however, they do notadequately absorb the impact from the bullet. Instead, they transferthis energy through the vest to the wearer's body. Thus, although it canbe difficult for bullets to penetrate the metal plates, significantinjury to the wearer can nevertheless result.

Accordingly, there exists a need for alternative devices, systems, andmethods for effectively providing bulletproof protective clothing. Theclothing should be flexible to allow a wearer an improved range ofmotion and flexibility. The clothing should also be able to protect amajority of the wearer's body, not just the chest and back. In addition,the clothing should disperse as much of the bullet's energy as possiblewhen an impact occurs, instead of transferring the energy to thewearer's body. It is to such a device, system, and method thatembodiments of the present invention are primarily directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Briefly described, the present invention can comprise protectiveclothing. The protective clothing can comprise a plurality of layers,and in some embodiments, the protective clothing can comprise an underlayer and an outer layer. The under layer and the outer layer cancomprise a plurality of protective plates. In some embodiments, theprotective plates can protect a wearer from bullets, knives, and otherdangers.

In some embodiments, the protective plates can be positioned on or inthe under layer and the outer later to provide a wide range of motion,flexibility, and comfort to a wearer without compromising the protectionafforded. In some embodiments, for example, the protective plates of theouter layer can be positioned above and between the plates of the underlayer. When the wearer moves, therefore, the plates of the outer latercan move over and between the plates of the under layer, and vice versa.Moreover, the plates can be configured such that this motion does notreduce the protection afforded to the wearer.

Embodiments of the present invention can comprise an article ofprotective clothing. The article can comprise an under layer having aplurality of protective plates and an outer layer having a plurality ofprotective plates. In some embodiments, the protective plates of theunder layer and the protective plates of the outer layer cansubstantially cover an area of the body of a wearer when the wearerwears the article. In some embodiments, at least one protective plate ofthe outer layer can move relative to at least one protective plate ofthe under layer when the wearer moves.

In some embodiments, the under layer and the outer layer can beintegrated. In some embodiments, the under layer and the outer layer canbe attached proximate a neck area of the article. In some embodiments,the under layer and the outer layer can be separate.

In some embodiments, the article can comprise a vest. In someembodiments, the article can comprise a shirt. In some embodiments, thearticle can comprise pants.

In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the outer layercan comprise graphene. In some embodiments, at least one protectiveplate of the outer layer can comprise a ceramic. In some embodiments, atleast one protective plate of the outer layer can be disposed in apocket of the outer layer. In some embodiments, at least one protectiveplate of the under layer can be integrated into the under layer. In someembodiments, at least one protective plate can be positioned to coverthe pectoral area of the wearer and at least one protective plate can bepositioned to cover the abdominal area of the wearer.

Embodiments of the present invention can further comprise an article ofprotective clothing. The article can comprise an under layer having afirst protective plate and second protective plate with a gaptherebetween. The article can further comprise an outer layer having athird protective plate. The outer layer can be configured to be worn ontop of the under layer. In some embodiments, the third protective platecan cover an area of the body of a wearer that is disposed under the gapwhen the wearer wears the under layer and the outer layer.

In some embodiments, the third protective plate can be configured tocover the area of the body of the wearer that is disposed under the gapwhen the wearer moves such that the third protective plate moves overthe first protective plate and the second protective plate. In someembodiments, the third protective plate can be configured to slide overthe first protective plate and second protective plate. In someembodiments, the first protective plate can be configured to slide underthe third protective plate.

Embodiments of the present invention can also comprise a protectivearticle. The article can comprise an under layer having a plurality ofprotective plates and configured to be worn by a wearer. The article canfurther comprise an outer layer having a plurality of protective plates.In some embodiments, the outer layer can be attached to the under layer.In some embodiments, the outer layer can be configured to be worn by thewearer. In some embodiments, at least one plate of the outer layer andat least one plate of the under layer can cover an area of the body ofthe wearer. In some embodiments, the plates of the outer layer can beconfigured to move over and between the plates of the under layer.

In some embodiments, at least one protective plate of the under layercan be configured to cover the pectoral area of the wearer. In someembodiments, the outer layer can comprise a stretchable and breathablematerial. In some embodiments, the outer layer can comprise at least onepocket, and at least one protective plate of the plurality of protectiveplates of the outer layer can be disposed at least partially within thepocket.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon reading the followingspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an outer layer of an article of protective clothing, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an under layer of an article of protective clothing, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments of the present invention are directed todevices, systems, and methods for providing bulletproof protectiveclothing and other like garments. It shall be understood that while thedevices, systems, and methods for providing bulletproof protectiveclothing and other like garments are described as protecting a wearerfrom gunfire, the devices, systems, and methods described herein shallnot be limited to protection from gunfire, as they can also protectwearers from knives and explosions, for example.

The various embodiments described herein provide clothing designed toprotect a wearer from gun-inflicted injuries while providing the wearerwith an improved range of motion and improved flexibility over existingdesigns. Embodiments described herein also provide a wearer withimproved protection over conventional bulletproof vests due to the useof ceramic plates that disperse the energy of a bullet's impact.

In some embodiments, the clothing can be made of an elastic fabric andcan comprise two layers. The layers can comprise an elastic orstretchable material. In some embodiments, the layers comprise abreathable material that allows air to pass through. This breathabilitycan help keep a wearer cool and prevent the wearer from overheatingwhile wearing the protective clothing. In some embodiments, the layerscomprise a material that removes sweat from the wearer's body. This canalso help keep a wearer cool and prevent the wearer from overheating.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protective clothing can comprise, forexample, an outer layer 100 and an under layer 200. In use, the outerlayer 100 can be disposed over or worn over the under layer 200.

The layers can be separate or integrated. More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the under layer 200 can be acompletely separate article from the outer layer 100. Thus, a wearer canwear the under layer 200 on his or her body, similar to wearing a shirt,vest, or pants, depending on the type of protective article being used.The wearer can then put the outer layer 100 on over the under layer 200.Like the under layer 200, the outer later can be worn like a shirt,vest, or pants, again depending on the type of protective article beingused. The outer layer 100 can therefore be separated from the wearer'sbody by the under layer 200.

In some embodiments, the under layer 200 and the outer layer 100 can beintegrated articles. The articles can, however, move relative toone-another. The under layer 200 and the outer layer 100, for example,can be attached only at certain locations, allowing for relativemovement. In embodiments comprising a protective shirt, for example, theunder layer 200 and the outer layer 100 can be attached only at the neck105, 205, the ends of the sleeves 110, 210, and/or the bottom (“hem”) ofthe shirt 115, 215, for example and not limitation. This allows theunder layer 200 and the outer layer 100 to be integrated, butnevertheless able to move relative to one-another everywhere exceptwhere attached. In embodiments comprising protective pants, the underlayer 200 and the outer layer 100 can be joined at the waist and/or thebottom of the legs, which also allows for relative movement of the underlayer 200 and outer layer 100. These examples are not limiting, asvarious embodiments of the present invention can comprise articles withan under layer 200 and outer layer 100 that are attached at variouslocations, or not attached at all.

To provide protection, each of the layers can comprise a plurality ofbulletproof plates 120 (“plates”). The plates 120 can be integrated intothe layers, or can be disposed on either side of the layers. In someembodiments, the plates 120 are disposed within pockets 125 that areintegrated into the layers. The plates 120 can be permanently sealedinto the pockets 125, or removably disposed within the pockets 125. Theplates 120 can also be attached to the outside of the layers 100, 200.The plates 120 can be removably attached to the outside of the layers100, 200, i.e., with Velcro® or a similar material, or can bepermanently attached to the outside of the layers 100, 200.

In some embodiments, the outer layer 100 can be an elastic article withplates 120 that cover the major muscle groups and/or regions of thebody. There can be, for example, separate plates 120 integrated into oron the outer layer 100 that cover all or some of the pectoral area,abdominal area, oblique area, deltoid area, biceps area, triceps area,forearm area, trapezius area, latissimus dorsi area, quadriceps area,gluteus area, hamstring area, shin area, and/or calve area.

In some embodiments, the under layer 200 can comprise plates 120 thatare disposed under and in-between the outer layer 100 plates 120. Theunder layer 200 can therefore comprise plates 120 sized, shaped, andlocated to allow the outer layer 100 plates 120 to overlap the underlayer 200 plates 120, providing complete protection to a wearer. Inaddition to providing complete protection, however, this arrangementallows the outer layer 100 plates 120 to move without interference fromthe under layer 200 plates 120, and allows the under layer 200 plates120 to move without interference from the outer layer 100 plates 120. Insome embodiments, the outer layer 100 plates 120 can slide over theunder layer 200 plates 120, and the under layer 200 plates 120 can slideunder the outer layer 100 plates 120. This can happen withoutcompromising the protection offered to the wearer, i.e., without causinggaps to form between the outer layer 100 plates 120 and the under layer200 plates 120 when the wearer moves.

Accordingly, the present invention can provide complete coverage of thebody as the wearer moves, without restricting movement of the wearer.The plates 120 can shift over and under each other, and the layers canflex, maximizing the wearer's range of motion and flexibility, andproviding substantial improvement over existing designs. The plateshifting can be similar to tectonic plates 120 shifting over and undereach other.

In some embodiments, the under layer 200 plates 120 can, for example,cover all or part of the sternum area, trapezius area, abdominal area,oblique area, deltoid area, elbow area, latissimus dorsi area, groinarea, hip area, and/or knee area. Those of skill in the art willunderstand, however, that this disclosure contemplates 120 that theouter layer 100 plates 120 and the under layer 200 plates 120 can coverany portion of the body, and can be a variety of shapes and sizes.

In some embodiments, the plates 120 are sized and shaped to fit close tothe wearer's body. The under layer 200 plates 120, for example, can besized and shaped to fit flush against the wearer's body. The outer layer100 plates 120 can be sized and shaped to fit flush against or veryclose to the wearer's body, while nevertheless overlapping the underlayer 200 plates 120. To help keep the plates 120 close to the wearer'sbody, all or some of the plates 120 can be sized and shaped to cover andprotect individual muscles, entire muscle groups, or skeletal structuresthat move together (such as the ribs or sternum, for example). Theplates 120 can therefore emulate various shapes of the human anatomy.

In some embodiments, the plates 120 can comprise a combination of aceramic and a resilient or non-penetrable fabric, such as graphene. Insome embodiments, graphene sheets can be integrated into the ceramic andcan prevent a bullet from passing through the protective apparel. Thegraphene can therefore operate as a “net” or “catcher's mitt” for thebullet. The graphene can be disposed within the ceramic, or can bedisposed as a cover or coating on the outside of the ceramic.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the plates 120 can have a grapheneouter layer and a ceramic inner layer.

The ceramic can disburse the energy of an impact by shattering, causinga dispersion of energy across the plates 120. The shattering ceramicalso absorbs a substantial percentage of the bullet's energy. Thisshattering and dispersion of energy increases the time it takes for thebullet to slow down, thereby reducing the force applied the wearer'sbody. The ceramic therefore acts similar to a crumple zone in a carframe, in that it provides an avenue for energy to be dispersed so thatonly a minimum amount of energy is transferred to a wearer's body.

Embodiments of the present invention can therefore disperse energy, andtherefore prevent injury, more effectively and efficiently than existingbulletproof vests. In some embodiments, the ceramic can comprisealumina, silicon carbide, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any brittlematerial that is lightweight. In some embodiments, moreover, the plates120 can comprise only carbon fiber or only fiberglass.

In addition, in some embodiments, the plates 120 can compriseviscoelastic material. Viscoelastic materials can exhibit properties ofa solid and a liquid when a force is applied. More specifically, aviscoelastic material can be lightweight and flexible, but under animpact force, such as an impact force applied by a bullet, theviscoelastic material can dissipate the impact force. Accordingly, theviscoelastic material can dissipate the force being transferred to thewearer's body, thereby reducing the amount of force applied to thewearer's body. In some embodiments, the plates 120 can comprise agraphene outer layer with a viscoelastic material disposed within thegraphene layer.

Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a vest, short sleeveshirt, long sleeve shirt, pants, shorts, gloves, and shoes, for exampleand not limitation. Thus, embodiments of the present invention canprotect more than the chest and back of a wearer, providing asignificant advantage over conventional bulletproof vests. The arms,legs, hips, and pelvic area, for example, can all be protected.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with aplurality of exemplary aspects, it is understood that other similaraspects can be used or modifications and additions can be made to thedescribed aspects for performing the same function of the presentdisclosure without deviating therefrom. For example, in various aspectsof the disclosure, methods and compositions were described according toaspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, otherequivalent methods or compositions to these described aspects are alsocontemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosureshould not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of protective clothing comprising: anunder layer having a plurality of protective plates; and an outer layerhaving a plurality of protective plates; wherein the protective platesof the under layer and the protective plates of the outer layersubstantially cover an area of the body of a wearer when the wearerwears the article; and wherein at least one protective plate of theouter layer moves relative to at least one protective plate of the underlayer when the wearer moves.
 2. The article of protective clothing ofclaim 1, wherein the under layer and the outer layer are integrated. 3.The article of protective clothing of claim 2, wherein the under layerand the outer layer are attached proximate a neck area of the article.4. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the underlayer and the outer layer are separate.
 5. The article of protectiveclothing of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a vest.
 6. Thearticle of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein the article comprisesa shirt.
 7. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein thearticle comprises pants.
 8. The article of protective clothing of claim1, wherein at least one protective plate of the outer layer comprisesgraphene.
 9. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein atleast one protective plate of the outer layer comprises a ceramic. 10.The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein at least oneprotective plate of the outer layer is disposed in a pocket of the outerlayer.
 11. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, wherein atleast one protective plate of the under layer is integrated into theunder layer.
 12. The article of protective clothing of claim 1, whereinat least one protective plate is positioned to cover the pectoral areaof the wearer and at least one protective plate is positioned to coverthe abdominal area of the wearer.
 13. An article of protective clothingcomprising: an under layer having a first protective plate and secondprotective plate with a gap therebetween; and an outer layer having athird protective plate, the outer layer configured to be worn on top ofthe under layer, and the third protective plate covering an area of thebody of a wearer that is disposed under the gap when the wearer wearsthe under layer and the outer layer.
 14. The article of protectiveclothing of claim 13, wherein the third protective plate is configuredto cover the area of the body of the wearer that is disposed under thegap when the wearer moves such that the third protective plate movesover the first protective plate and the second protective plate.
 15. Thearticle of protective clothing of claim 13, wherein the third protectiveplate is configured to slide over the first protective plate and secondprotective plate.
 16. The article of protective clothing of claim 13,wherein the first protective plate is configured to slide under thethird protective plate.
 17. A protective article comprising: an underlayer having a plurality of protective plates and configured to be wornby a wearer; and an outer layer having a plurality of protective plates,the outer layer attached to the under layer, and the outer layerconfigured to be worn by the wearer; wherein at least one plate of theouter layer and at least one plate of the under layer cover an area ofthe body of the wearer; and wherein the plates of the outer layer areconfigured to move over and between the plates of the under layer. 18.The protective article of claim 17, wherein at least one protectiveplate of the under layer is configured to cover the pectoral area of thewearer.
 19. The protective article of claim 17, wherein the outer layercomprises a stretchable and breathable material.
 20. The protectivearticle of claim 17, wherein the outer layer comprises at least onepocket, and at least one protective plate of the plurality of protectiveplates of the outer layer is disposed at least partially within thepocket.